Do It Yourself Jungle Tree for a Classroom

Things Needed

Tape Measure

Brown Butcher Paper

Clear Duct Tape

Palm Tree Leaf Template

Heavy Light Green Construction Paper

Heavy Dark Green Construction Paper

Overhead Projector

Decorating a classroom to match a specific theme can be time-consuming and costly. However, if you are on a tight budget, as many teachers are, a jungle theme including a tree can be created with butcher paper, scissors and imagination. Some teachers may not have help to create a jungle tree before the students arrive; therefore, gather the students to actively involve them in decorating the classroom and incorporate the activity into a lesson to appease the administrators.

Set and measure the location. Depending on the amount of space in the classroom, the jungle tree can be situated on a large blank wall or in a corner of the room. Use a tape measure to determine the height of the space from floor to ceiling. This will help when building the trunk and top of the tree.

Create the trunk of the tree. Using the measurements taken from the height of the wall-space, cut out large pages of butcher paper. The measurements for the trunk of the tree should be slightly larger than the top of the tree.

Crumple the paper and tape it up. The trunk of the tree should not look like a neat and smooth line. By crumpling the butcher paper, you add the visual effect of a rough surface. Attempt to use little pieces of tape, or hide the tape so that it does not distract the eyes. The tree should appear as if it is growing right out of the ground.

Trace and attach the leaves. Use a palm tree leaf template to trace the leaves onto the heavy green construction paper. Use an overhead projector to help you vary the sizes of the leaves. Students can get involved in this step by tracing and cutting the leaves themselves. If the teacher chooses, the students can also decorate the leaves with glitter to add a little flare to the jungle tree. When the leaves are complete attach them to the trunk using the clear masking tape. A definite pattern to the leaves and tree should not have to be done as the jungle tree can be as unique and natural as the classroom.

About the Author

Based in Edinburg, Texas, Jessica Gonzalez has been writing professionally since 1996. She has published poems in "Daydreams," "Moments" and "Whispers," put out by Iliad Press. Gonzalez holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Science in educational psychology from the University of Texas, Pan American.